The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following US Warning
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by deploying military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
